Meite playing for future

16 March 2011 01:56

Hodgson may offer defender new deal Roy Hodgson has told Abdoulaye Meite he’s playing for his Albion future. The Ivory Coast international’s contract expires at the end of this season but has impressed since his return to first-team action. The club can activate an additional year in the defender’s contract, but Hodgson insists he has to earn another deal at The Hawthorns through his performances on the pitch. "There is a great opportunity for him to try and earn a stay here next season," said the former Fulham and Liverpool boss. "First of all he has to play well enough to keep himself in the team because he's under pressure from the two that aren't playing at the moment. "But if he can continue and do as well as he has done in the last two games alongside Olsson - the two of them play well together - there is no reason why one would be looking to break that up." Meite started his first league game of the season against Stoke City last month after being out of favour under former Roberto Di Matteo. Hodgson admitted at the time he was unsure of his best central defeners on arrival, but urged the former Bolton man to grasp the opportunity. "His fortune I suppose is that I came in with a fresh start and gave him his opportunity, which he'd not been given before. "If you're a defender that can often be the case unfortunately. "It's hard because if you don't get games how can you persuade the coach you're better than the guy who has got the shirt. "It's a flick of a coin on that one. "If you're a forward or midfielder you get more chances because you are subbed on and off more often. "If you're a full-back or centre-back you either tend to play or not play. "And if you're playing and the team's doing well the poor guy who's waiting for his chance has to keep waiting."